Jaguar says XE has BMW-beating dynamics

The Jaguar XE has a streamlined coupe-like look thanks to its strongly sculpted hood, steeply raked windshield and rising waistline.

Jaguar engineers focused on the ride and handling of the new XE sedan in a bid to outclass rivals such as the BMW 3 series. Jaguar claims the XE is the “best driver’s car” in its class and auto journalists taking part in a test drive in Spain were overwhelmed by the sedan’s driving dynamics.

Fast facts

Engines: The XE's two gasoline and two diesel engines include an all-new 2.0-liter diesel with the best combined city/highway fuel economy of any Jaguar to date at 3.8 liters per 100km.

Technology: The XE offers a system that will help the rwd car electronically gain traction on snow-covered or wet surfaces without driver input at speeds below 30kph. Also offered is a laser head-up display that projects high-contrast color images directly in the driver's line of sight. It's smaller and lighter than existing systems.

Connectivity: An all-new infotainment system allows smartphone users to connect to the car remotely to control functions.

The XE is the stiffest, most aerodynamic sedan built by Jaguar to date. It is the first Jaguar equipped with electric power steering, which offers greater tuning potential and improved energy efficiency. Switching from a traditional hydraulic power steering system to electric helps reduce the car’s CO2 emissions by up to 3 percent.

The basics

Launch date: June (Europe); spring 2016 (U.S.)

Base price: 36,450 euros (Germany)

Where built: Solihull, England

Lowest CO2 emissions: 99g/km

Main rivals: BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Mercedes C class, Volvo S60

The XE’s body is 75 percent aluminum, which contributed to the body-in-white’s low weight of 251kg. Jaguar expects 90 percent of XE buyers to be new to the brand, said Peter Modelhardt, managing director of Jaguar Germany. The XE is Jaguar’s smallest and most affordable car, which the automaker believes will help it attract younger customers and more women to the brand.